JP2000014920A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of surely determining conditions under which a ball discharge mechanism can discharge balls. SOLUTION: A control part (dischargeability determining means) of a discharge control circuit, in performing prize ball discharge control, references a rental ball discharge flag to recognize whether or not a rental ball discharge part is performing the action of discharging game balls (S21). When the rental ball discharge part is not performing the action of discharging the game balls, the control part determines whether or not the rental ball discharge part can discharge the prize balls (S22-S33).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, such as a pachinko gaming machine or an arranged ball gaming machine, configured to discharge a lending ball or a prize ball by using a ball discharging mechanism of the gaming machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, which is a representative gaming machine, receives a rental of gaming balls (pachinko balls) prior to pachinko gaming, and places the gaming balls in a gaming area of a gaming board. A pachinko game is played by firing toward it. In this pachinko game, a predetermined number of prize balls are discharged to the player side when a game ball wins a role such as a start port or a special winning port (attacker) provided in the game area.

[0003] Among such pachinko gaming machines, there are so-called CR machines and the like, which are configured to discharge lending balls and prize balls by a ball discharging mechanism provided in the pachinko gaming machines. This ball discharge mechanism is a mechanism for discharging game balls introduced via a chute to the ball supply plate side as game balls to be used in a game, and is constituted by, for example, a ball discharge unit.

In the case where the game ball is ejected by the ball ejection mechanism, it is necessary to determine whether or not the game ball can be ejected before ejecting the game ball, and it is determined that the game ball cannot be ejected. In such a case, error notification or the like is performed without performing the discharging operation. As one of the conditions for determining whether or not the discharge is possible, there is a condition that a game ball is present at a position where the odd sensor in the odd sensor unit faces. The odd sensor is disposed upstream from the ball discharge unit by a predetermined distance, and whether or not the maximum number of game balls discharged by one operation of the ball discharge unit is secured upstream of the ball discharge unit. Is to be detected. Then, when the level of the detection signal of the odd sensor indicates that a game ball is present for a certain period of time, for example, 40 ms, it is determined that the game ball is secured, and the state in which the game ball is flowing is determined. And a stationary state.

The game ball discharged by the ball discharge mechanism flows down the ball down flow path and is stored in the upper ball supply plate in front of the gaming machine. When the upper ball supply plate becomes full, the game ball branches off from the ball down flow path. It is stored in the lower ball supply dish via the overflow channel.
And when the inside of the lower ball supply dish is full, there is no place for the discharged game balls to go, causing ball clogging,
An overflow sensor is provided to detect that the lower ball supply tray is full, and when this sensor detects that the game balls are excessively stored, the ball discharging mechanism determines that the ball cannot be discharged and discharges the ball. Is not performed. Also in the case where the state where the game ball is flowing down and the state where the game ball is stopped are identified by the detection signal of the overflow sensor, the detection level indicates that the game ball does not exist for a certain period of time, for example, 2 seconds. , It is determined that the game balls are not excessively stored.

[0006] The ball discharging mechanism is an important mechanism for ensuring a healthy game. In a special game in which the special winning opening is opened, a large amount of game balls may be discharged in a short time, and in this case, the ball discharge mechanism must accurately discharge a predetermined number of game balls. . For this reason, it is required to increase the accuracy of the inspection of the ball discharging mechanism to assure a more reliable operation.

[0007]

In view of this point, the applicant of the present application has divided the ball discharging mechanism into a loaned ball discharging mechanism for discharging loaned balls and a prize ball discharging mechanism for discharging prize balls. We have developed a gaming machine that allows each mechanism to independently determine the ball dischargeable condition. In this machine,
There is an advantage that the ball discharging mechanism can be inspected for each function, such as a lending ball discharging function and a prize ball discharging function, and a detailed inspection can be performed.

However, in this gaming machine, inconvenience may occur when judging the ball dischargeable condition of the other ball discharge mechanism while one ball discharge mechanism is operating. Specifically, for example, when determining the ball dischargeable condition of the prize ball discharging mechanism while the loaned ball discharging mechanism is operating, the vibration is accompanied by the movement of the game ball by the operation of the rental ball discharging mechanism. It is transmitted to the odd sensor on the prize ball discharge mechanism side,
The detection state of this irregular sensor becomes unstable, or the vibration when the discharged lending ball flows into the upper ball storage dish or the like is transmitted to the overflow sensor, and the detection state of the overflow sensor becomes unstable. I do. Conversely, while the prize ball discharging mechanism is operating, the detection state of the odd sensor or the overflow sensor on the rental ball discharging mechanism side becomes unstable for the same reason. If the ball discharge condition is incorrectly determined, the number of discharged game balls may be incorrect, or the discharged game balls may be clogged. Cannot be denied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably determining a ball dischargeable condition of a ball discharge mechanism.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has been proposed to achieve the above object, and the present invention is directed to a game ball which uses a game ball introduced through a chute for playing. A ball discharge mechanism (for example, a ball discharge unit 35) capable of discharging to the ball supply tray (for example, the upper ball supply tray 16, the lower ball supply tray 19) side and a ball discharge control device (for example, a ball discharge control device for controlling the ball discharge mechanism). And a discharge control device 37), the ball discharging mechanism includes a ball-lending discharge mechanism (for example, a ball-lending unit 44) for discharging lending balls and a prize-ball discharging mechanism (for discharging a prize ball). For example, the prize ball discharging unit 45) is configured separately, and the chute includes a lending ball chute unit for supplying game balls to the lending ball discharge mechanism and a prize ball chute unit for supplying game balls to the prize ball discharge mechanism. Separately configured, ball leasing mechanism or prize ball discharging machine The drainable discriminating means ball discharging operation it is determined whether or not a state that can be executed successfully every sphere discharge mechanism (e.g., control unit 59 of the discharge control circuit) provided,
The discharge possibility determining means performs a determination operation on one ball discharging mechanism on condition that the other ball discharging mechanism is not performing a ball discharging operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball detecting section for detecting whether or not a game ball relating to the ball discharging operation of the ball discharging mechanism is present at a predetermined portion and generating a detection signal. (E.g., a ball rental odd sensor 39, a prize ball odd sensor 40, a ball rental discharge sensor 47, a prize ball discharge sensor 50, an overflow sensor 24), and the discharge possibility determination unit outputs a detection signal from the ball detection unit. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the ball discharging operation can be normally executed is determined by continuously monitoring for a predetermined time.

Here, the "game balls related to the ball discharging operation of the ball discharging mechanism" include a game ball discharged as a lending ball or a prize ball, and a game ball discharged as a lending ball or a prize ball by the ball discharging mechanism. Including both.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ball discharge control device, the ball discharge control means (for example, a control of a discharge control circuit) for controlling a ball discharge mechanism based on a command to request a ball to be discharged. Unit 59) and prize ball discharge control means (for example, a control unit 59 of a discharge control circuit) for controlling a prize ball discharge mechanism based on a prize ball discharge request command. Control means for determining whether or not the lending ball discharge operation of the lending ball discharge mechanism can be normally executed; and A prize ball discharge determination means for determining whether or not the prize ball discharge operation of the discharge mechanism can be normally performed, and during the determination period of the discharge possibility determination means provided in one of the ball discharge control means. A discharge request command was issued to the other ball discharge control means And a standby means (for example, a control unit 59 of a discharge control circuit) for waiting for a ball discharge operation by the ball discharge mechanism until the determination operation by both discharge possibility determination means is completed. A gaming machine according to item 1.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a pachinko gaming machine 1, which is a typical gaming machine, will be described as an example.
Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly constituted by a pachinko machine main body 2 and a card unit 3. The pachinko machine body 2 is surrounded by a machine frame 4.
A frame-shaped front frame 5 having a large opening is mounted to be openable and closable. A game board 6 is attached to the back of the front frame 5 so as to face the opening of the front frame 5 from behind. A partition member 7 such as a guide rail is disposed on the game board 6, and the partition member 7 partitions a substantially circular game area 8. The game area 8 includes a starting port 9, a large winning port (attacker) 10, and a general winning port 11.
And the like, the variable display device 12, and the like.

Note that different numbers of prize balls are set for the starting port 9, the special winning port 10, and the general winning port 11, respectively. In the present embodiment, the number of prize balls of the starting port 9 is set to six. ,
The number of prize balls in the large winning opening 10 is set to 15, and the number of prize balls in the general winning opening 11 is set to 10. A start switch capable of detecting the hit ball that has won the starting opening 9 is arranged facing the path of the hit ball that has won the starting opening 9, and a count switch capable of detecting the hit ball that has won the large winning opening 10. Are arranged facing the path of the hit ball that has won the special winning opening 10 (both are not shown).

On the front surface of the front frame 5, a frame-shaped front cover member 15 and an opening / closing panel 17 provided with an upper ball supply plate (upper plate) 16 on its front surface so as to close the opening from the front.
Both are installed in a state that can be opened and closed, and an opening and closing panel 1
Below the 7, an ashtray 18, a lower ball supply tray (lower tray) 19, and a firing operation unit 20 are provided.

The upper ball supply tray 16 is a portion for temporarily storing game balls discharged by the ball discharge unit 35 (see FIG. 2) as lending balls or prize balls, and is a kind of ball supply tray in the present invention. . On the surface of the upper ball supply plate 16, a ball lending switch 21 that is operated when a game ball (lending ball) is lent, a return switch 22 that is operated when a game card attached to the card unit 3 is returned, And a balance display unit 23 for displaying the frequency information stored in the game card.
And so on.

The lower ball supply tray 19 is a portion for storing game balls which are filled with the upper ball supply tray 16 and cannot be completely filled, and are a kind of ball supply tray in the present invention. The lower ball supply tray 19 is communicated with an overflow flow path branched from the ball flow path slightly upstream of the upper ball supply dish 16, and an overflow sensor 24 is provided in the middle of the overflow flow path. This overflow sensor 24
Is a kind of sphere detection unit in the present invention, for example,
It is constituted by a microswitch that is brought into a connected state by being pressed by a game ball.

Therefore, when the upper ball supply tray 16 is filled with the game balls discharged by the ball discharge unit 35, the subsequent game balls are stored on the ball flow path, and when the game balls are stored to the branch point with the overflow flow path. The game balls discharged after that flow into the overflow channel from the branch point. And
The flowing game balls flow down the overflow channel and are stored in the lower ball supply tray 19. Further, when the lower ball supply tray 19 is full of game balls, the game balls accumulate in the overflow channel, and the game balls enter the overflow sensor 2.
When the overflow sensor 24 accumulates to the position 4, the overflow sensor 24 is continuously connected and recognized as an overflow state, and the control of stopping the discharge operation of the ball discharge unit 35 is performed.

Above the front surface of the front cover member 15, a ball loan abnormal lamp 25 and a prize ball abnormal lamp 26 are provided. The abnormal ball-lending lamp 25 is provided on the left side of the upper edge portion of the front cover member 15 and functions as a ball-lending-abnormality notification unit that reports an abnormality related to the discharge of the ball-lending. On the other hand, the prize ball abnormality lamp 26 is provided on the upper right side of the upper edge of the front cover member 15 and functions as a prize ball discharge abnormality notification unit that reports an abnormality related to a mechanism for discharging a prize ball.

On the other hand, the card unit 3 is provided with a card reader / writer 27 and a card unit controller 28. The card reader / writer 27 is a device that reads or rewrites the remaining number information recorded on the inserted game card, and the card unit controller 28 receives operation signals from the ball rental switch 21 and the return switch 22. This is a device that transmits and receives a ball lending control signal to and from a discharge control device 37 described later.

Next, the configuration of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a back mechanism board 31 is attached to the back side of the pachinko machine main body 2, and a game ball to be used as a lending ball or a prize ball is stored on an upper portion of the back mechanism board 31. The ball storage tank 32 for temporarily storing is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, a chute (ball lead-out gutter) 33 is provided below the ball storage tank 32 for guiding the game balls flowing out from the ball storage tank 32 while aligning them, and near the exit of the chute 33. Is provided with an odd sensor unit 34 for detecting whether or not the number of stored game balls is equal to or more than a specified number (level). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a ball discharge unit 35 for discharging game balls supplied from the chute 33 as lending balls or prize balls is connected to the outlet of the odd sensor unit. The ball discharging unit 35 is a part that functions as a ball discharging mechanism in the present invention. A ball flow path is provided downward so as to communicate with the ball outlet of the ball discharge unit 35 (not shown). The ball flow-down path guides the lending balls and the prize balls discharged by the ball discharge unit 35 to the ball supply plates 16 and 19. The chute 33, the odd sensor unit 34, and the ball discharge unit 35 have a portion for a loaned ball and a portion for a prize ball separately.

On the opposite side (left side in FIG. 2) of the ball discharge unit 35, a game control device 36 for controlling a game is provided. Below the game control device 36, a discharge control device is provided. A device 37 is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the game control device 36 includes a game control circuit 36a,
The discharge control device 37 includes a discharge control circuit 37a. A safe unit 38 is provided on the right side of the discharge control device 37. The safe unit 38 is a member for detecting one game ball (safe ball) winning in the above-described starting port 9, large winning port 10, and general winning port 11, and is a safe sensor 38a capable of detecting a safe ball. Also, a safe solenoid 38b for operating a safe ball locking piece for controlling one safe ball to flow downward is provided (see FIG. 8).

The above-mentioned chute 33 is provided with three ball passages as shown in FIG. 3 (b), and one of these three ball passages is used as a ball lending chute portion 33a. The ridge is a prize ball shooting part 33b. The odd sensor unit 34 includes a ball lending odd sensor 39 disposed in correspondence with the ball lending chute 33a, and a prize ball odd sensor 40 disposed in each line corresponding to the prize ball chute 33b. (See FIG. 8).

The ball rental odd-end sensor 39 is a kind of a ball detection unit in the present invention, and also functions as a stored loaned ball amount detecting means for detecting the quantity (level) of the stored loaned ball amount. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the ball rental half-end sensor 39 is configured as a photo-interrupter whose detection signal changes by a light-shielding plate 41a of a movable member 41. This movable member 4
1 is configured so that one end portion is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable up and down around the pivoted portion.
As shown in (c), game balls arranged on the ball-for-sale chute 33a (game balls stored to be discharged as loaned balls).
Contacts the bottom surface 41b of the movable member 41 from below.

The game ball is moved to the bottom surface 41 of the movable member 41.
b, the light transmitting portion 41 provided on the light shielding plate 41a.
Through c, the detection light from the light emitting element of the ball rental half-end sensor 39 is received by the light receiving element, and the detection signal of the ball rental half-end sensor 39 becomes an ON level indicating “there is a ball”. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), when no game balls are stored on the ball lending chute portion 33a, the light-shielding plate 41a of the movable member 41 blocks the detection light from the light-emitting element. Cannot receive light. Therefore, the detection signal of the ball lending odd-end sensor 39 becomes an off level indicating “no ball”.

The ball rental rental sensor 3 having such a configuration
9 is to determine whether or not the maximum number of game balls that can be discharged at one time in the ball discharge unit 44 (see FIG. 6) of the ball discharge unit 35 is stored upstream of the ball discharge unit 35. To detect. In the present embodiment, when 25 or more game balls corresponding to the maximum number of balls to be rented are stored, the detection signal of the ball rental odd-end sensor 39 indicates that the stored lending ball amount is equal to or more than the specified level. ("Ball exists"). When the number of stored game balls is less than 25, the detection signal becomes an off-level indicating that the stored lending ball amount has not reached the specified level (“no ball”).

The prize ball odd-end sensor 40 is also a kind of sphere detection unit in the present invention, and also functions as a stored prize ball amount detecting means for detecting the level of the stored prize ball amount. Like the ball rental half-end sensor 39, the award ball half-end sensor 40 is configured by a photo interrupter that changes a detection signal according to the state of the movable member 41. Then, it is detected whether or not the number of game balls corresponding to the maximum number of prize balls in the prize ball discharge unit 45 (see FIG. 6) which constitutes a part of the ball discharge unit 35 is stored. Here, the maximum number of prize balls is the number of game balls that can be discharged by one discharging operation, and is set to 15 in this embodiment. Further, the awarded ball odd-end sensor 40 in the present embodiment is provided on each of the two ball channels constituting the awarded ball chute portion 33b. For this reason,
The detection signal from the odd-ball prize sensor 40 indicates that the amount of stored prize balls is equal to or greater than a specified level when eight game balls corresponding to about 1/2 of the maximum number of prize balls are stored in each article. , And when the number of game balls stored in each row is less than 8, the off level indicates that the stored prize ball amount has not reached the prescribed level.

Next, the ball discharging unit 35 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the ball discharging unit 35 has a ball lending unit 44 for discharging a ball for lending and a prize ball discharging unit 45 for discharging a prize ball separately. Here, the ball release unit 44 functions as a ball release mechanism in the present invention, and the prize ball discharge unit 45 functions as a prize ball discharge mechanism in the present invention. The ball lending unit 44 and the prize ball discharging unit 45 have substantially the same configuration. The ball lending unit 44 has a single ball channel, and the ball discharging unit 45 has a two ball channel. Are different. The outlet of the ball-lending chute portion 33a is connected to the entrance of the ball-lending portion 44, and the prize-ball chute portion 33b is connected to the entrance of the prize-ball discharging portion 45.
Outlet is connected.

In the following, description will be given by taking the ball rental unit 44 as an example. As shown in FIG. 7, the ball let-off portion 44 is provided with a ball let-off channel 46 for guiding the ball-off in a state of being aligned in one row.
And a ball lending discharge sensor 47 provided in the middle of the ball lending flow path 46 and capable of detecting one lending ball in the ball lending flow path 46, and a ball leasing discharge sensor having a tip portion in the ball lending flow path 46. The ball locking piece 48 is mounted so as to be able to protrude and retract on the downstream side of the ball 47 and stops or flows down the lending ball by this tip portion, and the plunger portion connected to the ball locking piece 48 is reciprocated. Is provided with a ball discharge solenoid 49 for causing the tip portion of the ball to flow into and out of the ball flow path 46. Here, the ball rental discharge sensor 47
Is a kind of sphere detection unit in the present invention.

When the ball discharge solenoid 49 is in the demagnetized state, the tip of the ball locking piece 48 protrudes into the ball lending flow path 46, and comes into contact with the protruding tip to play the game in the ball lending flow path 46. The ball stops. When the ball discharge solenoid 49 is excited, the tip of the ball locking piece 48 is
Since the ball is evacuated from the inside, the game ball in the ball lending channel 46 flows down. The game ball is released by the ball rental discharge sensor 4 in a state where the flow is permitted.
After passing through 7, the ball rental discharge sensor 47 outputs a pulse-like detection signal each time a game ball passes. This detection signal is input to the discharge control device 37 (discharge control circuit 37a).

The prize ball discharge unit 45 replaces the prize ball flow path 46 described above with a prize ball flow path, replaces the ball rental discharge sensor 47 with a prize ball discharge sensor 50, and replaces the ball rental solenoid 49 with a ball rental discharge solenoid 49. And a prize ball discharge solenoid 51 is provided (see FIG. 8). The prize ball discharge sensor 50 is also a kind of the ball detection unit in the present invention.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the game control circuit 36a of the game control device 36 includes a CPU (central control device),
M (read only memory), RAM (readable / writable memory), a control unit having an interface (not shown) for inputting and outputting signals, and the like are provided in the discharge control device 37 (discharge control circuit 37a). It functions as a prize ball command output means for outputting a prize ball command signal. The game control circuit 36a receives a safe signal from the safe sensor 38a, a detection signal from the prize ball discharge sensor 50, a detection signal from the prize ball odd-end sensor 40 through the distribution circuit 54,
A detection signal from the overflow sensor 24 and a detection signal from the metal frame sensor 55 are input. Here, the detection signal from the prize ball discharge sensor 50 is individually input for each line. The metal frame sensor 55 outputs a detection signal in accordance with the open / close state of the front cover member 15.
It is composed of micro switches.

On the other hand, the game control circuit 36a outputs a display control command for controlling the display of the variable display device 12 to the display control circuit 56, and a voice control command for outputting a sound effect or the like relating to the game. The voice control circuit 5
7 is output. Further, the game control circuit 36a and the game board 6
And various signals are transmitted and received between them. For example, a driving signal to a solenoid for opening and closing the special winning opening 10 and a control signal for a decorative lamp provided on the game board 6 are transmitted to the game control circuit 36.
a to the game board 6, and outputs detection signals from the start switch and the count switch from the game board 6 to the game control circuit 36a.

The discharge control circuit 3 of the discharge control device 37
7a includes a control unit 59 having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, an interface (I / F) 60 for inputting and outputting signals, and the like. The control section 59 serves as a ball discharge control means (ball lending discharge control means, award ball discharge control means), a discharge possibility determination means (lending ball discharge possibility determination means, award ball discharge possibility determination means), and a standby means in the present invention. It is the part that works.

The discharge control circuit 37a receives a safe signal from the safe sensor 38a, a detection signal from the prize ball discharge sensor 50, and a signal from the prize ball irregular sensor 40 through the distribution circuit 54 of the game control circuit 36a. Detection signal, detection signal from overflow sensor 24, metal frame sensor 5
5, the detection signal is input. In addition, the discharge control circuit 37a includes a detection signal from the ball rental discharge sensor 47,
A detection signal from the ball rental odd-end sensor 39 is input. On the other hand, from the discharge control circuit 37a, the ball rental discharge solenoid 4
9 and the drive signal for the prize ball discharge solenoid 51, the drive signal for the safe solenoid 38b, and the firing control circuit 6.
1, a prize ball abnormal signal to the prize ball abnormal lamp 26, an abnormal ball loan signal to the abnormal ball loan lamp 25, and the like. Further, a ball lending control signal is transmitted and received between the discharge control circuit 37a and the card unit control device 28. The ball lending control signal includes a ball lending command signal output from the card unit controller 28 to the discharge control circuit 37a when the ball lending switch 21 is operated.

The card unit controller 28 also has a CP
A control unit having a U, a ROM, and a RAM, an interface for inputting and outputting signals, and the like are provided. The controller transmits and receives the ball lending control signal to and from the discharge control circuit 37a as described above. Switch signals (operation signals) from the ball rental switch 21 and the return switch 22 are input.
Further, the remaining card number information of the game card read by the card reader / writer 27 (see FIG. 1) is output to the balance display unit 23. The card unit control device 28 functions as a ball lending command output unit that outputs a ball lending command signal to the discharge control circuit 37a.

Next, an outline of the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 having the above configuration will be described. In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when a ball is hit in the winning opening 9, the big winning opening 10, and the general winning opening 11, the game control device 36 (game control circuit 36a), based on the winning, displays the winning ball. It outputs a prize ball command signal requesting discharge to the discharge control device 37 (discharge control circuit 37a).

Upon receiving the prize ball command signal, the control unit 59 of the discharge control circuit 37a functions as a prize ball discharge possibility determining means, and the prize ball irregular sensor 40, the prize ball discharge sensor 50,
Based on the detection signal from the overflow sensor 24,
It is determined whether or not the award ball discharging operation performed by the award ball discharging unit 45 is in a state where it can be normally executed. In other words, the prize ball dischargeable condition is determined. This determination is performed under the condition that the ball-ejecting unit 44, which is the other ball-discharging mechanism, does not discharge a lending ball. There is a game ball that is discharged as a prize ball, and no overflow ball is detected. It is determined that the determination condition is satisfied when the state has continued for a predetermined time. Then, it is regarded as a state in which the prize ball discharging operation can be normally executed by satisfying the determination condition (the prize ball dischargeable condition is satisfied).

During this discrimination period, the monitoring flag during prize ball is set. The prize ball monitoring flag is a flag indicating that determination regarding prize ball discharge is being performed. During the period in which the prize ball monitoring flag is set, discharge of the lending ball is prohibited. . As a result, during the discrimination period of the prize ball discharging operation, since the lending ball is not discharged, the levels of the detection signals from the odd ball sensor 40, the prize ball discharge sensor 50, and the overflow sensor 24 are stabilized. And reliable determination can be made.

If it is determined that the prize ball discharging operation can be executed normally, it is determined whether or not the determination of the lent ball has been performed by referring to the flag during monitoring of the lent ball. The ball-at-lending-time monitoring flag is the same flag as the prize-ball-at-time monitoring flag, and is set during the discrimination period for the loaned ball. Then, if the ball-while-monitoring flag is not set, the control unit 59 of the discharge control circuit 37a functions as a prize ball discharge control means, and discharges a prize ball.

If the flag for monitoring a ball-lending condition is set, the control unit 59 of the discharge control circuit 37a functions as a standby unit, and waits for the flag for monitoring a ball-lending condition to be cleared. Then, if the ball-while-monitoring flag is cleared, the control unit 59 (prize ball discharge control means) discharges a prize ball from the prize ball discharge unit 45 (prize ball discharge mechanism) of the ball discharge unit 35.

On the other hand, when the ball lending switch 21 is operated, a ball lending command signal based on the operation is output to the discharge control device 3.
7 (discharge control circuit 37a). When the ball lending command signal is received, the control unit 59 of the discharge control circuit 37a functions as a ball lending discharge determination unit, and the ball lending partial sensor 39, the ball lending discharge sensor 47, the overflow sensor 24
It is determined based on the detection signal from whether or not the ball let-off operation performed by the ball let-off unit 44 can be executed normally (establishment of the ball let-off condition). This discrimination is performed under the condition that the prize ball discharge unit 45, which is the other ball discharge mechanism, does not perform the prize ball discharge operation. There is a game ball to be discharged as a lending ball, and the overflow ball is It is set as a determination condition that an undetected state continues for a predetermined time. Then, it is regarded as a state in which the ball lending discharge operation can be normally executed by satisfying the determination condition (ball lending dischargeable condition is satisfied).

During the discrimination period, the flag for monitoring when lending indicating that the discrimination is being performed is set, and the discharging operation of the prize ball is prohibited. Therefore, the prize ball is not discharged during the discrimination period of the ball lending discharge operation, the level of the detection signal from each sensor can be stabilized, and a reliable discrimination can be performed. Then, if it is determined that the ball-lending discharge operation can be executed normally, the prize-ball-time monitoring flag is referred to. If the prize-ball-time monitoring flag is not set, the control unit 59 (ball lending discharge control means) Causes the lending ball to be discharged continuously. If the prize-ball monitoring flag has been set, the control unit 59 (waiting means) waits for the prize-ball monitoring flag to be cleared. Then, if the prize ball monitoring flag is cleared, the control section 59 (ball lending discharge control means) causes the lending ball to be discharged.

Next, control for realizing the above-described series of operations will be described. Here, FIG. 9 shows the game control device 36, the ejection control device 37, and the card unit control device 2.
8 is a flowchart for explaining a main program executed by the main program 8, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a prize ball discharging program executed in parallel with the main program, and FIG. It is a flowchart explaining a discharge program.

First, the processing of the game control device 36 will be described. The game control device 36 first determines whether or not there is a specific winning (S1). The specific winning means a winning of a hit ball into a winning opening in which the number of winning balls different from that of the general winning opening 11, such as the starting opening 9 and the large winning opening 10, is detected by the start switch or the count switch. Detect based on signal.

If there is a specific winning, the specific winning number is added (S2). In this addition processing, for example, the storage value of the specific winning number storage means (for example, the RAM of the control unit) provided in the game control circuit 36a is incremented by one. Here, the specific winning number storage means is provided so as to correspond to each of the starting port 9 and the special winning port 10. When a hit ball is hit in the starting port 9, the stored value of the starting winning number storage means is incremented by +1. I do. When a hit ball is won in the special winning opening 10, the value stored in the special winning number storage means is incremented by one. If there is no specific winning, this step S2 is skipped.

Next, it is determined whether or not a new safe ball has been detected (S3). In step S3, for example, when the safe ball is ejected from the safe unit 38 and the next safe ball is detected, it is determined that a new safe ball has been detected. On the other hand, if the already detected safe ball remains at the detection position and is continuously detected, or if the detected safe ball is the last safe ball and a new safe ball is not detected, etc. Is determined as "no detection" of a new safe ball. Then, when it is determined that there is no detection, the process proceeds to step S1 and the above-described processing is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, when a new safe ball is detected, the specific winning number is subsequently subtracted (S4). As described above, the specific winning number in the present embodiment includes the starting winning number stored in the starting winning number storage means and the large winning number stored in the large winning number storage means. Therefore, when there is a memory in both the start winning number and the large winning number (that is, when both of the stored numbers are “1” or more), the winning number of the higher priority side is decremented by one. For example, the number of big wins is decremented by one. In addition, when there is a memory only in one of the number of big prizes or the number of starting prizes,
The winning number is decremented by one. In addition, when there is no memory for both the large winning number and the starting winning number (that is, both of the stored numbers are “0”).
), The specific winning number is not subtracted. In this case, the new safe ball detected by the safe sensor is recognized as a safe ball based on the winning of the hit ball into the general winning opening 11.

When the specific winning number has been subtracted, a prize ball command signal is output to the discharge control device 37 (S5). Here, the prize ball command signal is a signal including information on the number of prize balls to be discharged. Then, in the subtraction process of the specific winning number (S4), the information of the number of winning balls "15" is included when the large winning number is decremented by one, and the prize ball is similarly obtained when the starting winning number is decremented by one. Number "6"
And the number of big wins and the number of start winnings are both "0"
If so, a prize ball command signal is output including information on the number of prize balls "10". The discharge control device 37 executes discharge control of the prize ball in response to the reception of the prize ball command signal. Then, when the prize ball command signal is output to the discharge control device 37, the process shifts to step S1 to repeatedly execute the above processing.

Next, the processing of the card unit controller 28 will be described. In the card unit control device 28,
First, it is determined whether or not the ball rental switch 21 has been operated (S
6). Here, if a switch operation has been performed, a ball lending command signal is output to the discharge control device 37 (S7). on the other hand,
If there is no switch operation, the process of step S6 is repeated to wait for a switch operation. Here, the ball lending command signal output to the discharge control device 37 is a signal for discharging a predetermined number of game balls as lending balls, and the discharge control device 37 lends the lending upon receiving the ball lending command signal. Performs ball ejection control. And
If the ball lending command signal is output to the discharge control device 37, the remaining number (balance) of the game card is reduced by a predetermined number (S8), and then the process proceeds to step S6 to repeatedly execute the above-described processing.

Next, the processing of the discharge control device 37 will be described. In the discharge control device 37, first, the game control device 3
It is determined whether or not the prize ball command signal has been received (S
9). Here, if the prize ball command signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S12 described later. On the other hand, when the prize ball command signal is received, information on the number of prize balls included in the prize ball command signal is obtained, and the obtained prize ball number is stored in the prize ball number storage means (for example, the RAM of the control unit 59). Remember (S
10). Subsequently, the prize ball discharge program is started (S
11). This prize ball discharge program is a program for determining whether or not a prize ball can be discharged before the prize ball discharge processing, and if it is in a dischargeable state, discharging the prize ball. Note that, when the award ball discharging program is started, it operates in parallel (independently) with the main program of FIG. Therefore, in this main program, step S1
When the prize ball discharging program is started in step 1, the process proceeds to the next process (S12).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a ball-lending command signal has been received from the card unit controller 28 (S1).
2). Here, if the ball lending command signal is received, the ball lending discharge program is started (S13), and the process proceeds to the above-described step S9. On the other hand, if the ball lending command signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S9 without starting the ball lending discharge program. This ball lending discharge program is a program for determining whether or not a lending ball is in a dischargeable state prior to the lending ball discharge processing, and if the lending ball is in a dischargeable state, discharging the lending ball. Note that, when this ball lending discharge program is also started, it operates in parallel (independently) with the main program of FIG.

Next, the processing performed by the prize ball discharging program will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, this prize ball discharge program is executed by the discharge control device 37.
(S11), and is a program that operates independently of the main program when it is started. The discharge control device 37, that is, the discharge control circuit 37a
Is executed by the control unit 59. Then, by executing the prize ball discharge program, the control section 59 functions as a prize ball discharge control means in the present invention.

In this prize ball discharging program, first, it is determined whether or not the lending ball discharging flag is set (S).
21). Here, the ball lending discharging flag is a flag that is set by the processing of the ball lending discharge program, and is set when the ball lending unit 44 of the ball discharging unit 35 discharges the lending ball. Then, during the period in which the ball let-off discharging flag is set, the process of step S21 is repeatedly executed, and the process waits until the discharge of the ball let-off ends.
In other words, the control unit 59 (prize ball discharge determination unit) of the discharge control circuit 37a determines the prize ball discharge unit 45 on the condition that the ball lending unit 44 does not perform the ball discharge operation ( S22 to S33) are performed.

If the ball lending unit 44 has not performed the ball discharging operation, the monitoring flag during prize ball is set (S22).
The prize ball monitoring flag is a flag referred to in the processing by the ball lending program, and the flag set determines whether or not the prize ball discharge operation by the prize ball discharge unit 45 can be normally performed. Meaning you are in the middle.

If the prize ball monitoring flag is set,
The first timer and the second timer are initialized (S23). Here, the first timer is a timer for determining whether or not the state in which the prize ball can be discharged has been continuously established for a predetermined time, and measures, for example, one second. Similarly, the second timer is a timer for determining whether or not the state in which the prize ball cannot be discharged has been continuously established for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). The setting values of these timers can be set arbitrarily.

After the first timer and the second timer have been initialized, the detection signal from the ball detector is monitored. That is, it is determined whether or not the odd ball sensor 40 provided in each section outputs an on-level detection signal, that is, whether the odd ball sensor 40 detects a game ball discharged as a prize ball. (S24) It is determined whether or not the prize ball discharge sensors 50 of the respective articles output on-level detection signals, that is, whether or not the prize ball discharge sensors 50 detect game balls to be discharged as prize balls (S25). ), It is determined whether or not the detection signal of the overflow sensor 24 is at the off level, that is, whether or not the overflow sphere is detected (S26).

Here, if both the odd ball sensor 40 for each prize ball and the prize ball discharge sensor 50 detect a game ball and no overflow ball is detected, the second timer is initialized (S27). Then, the first timer is updated, for example, +1 (S28). Subsequently, it is determined whether the first timer has timed out, for example, whether one second has been counted (S2).
9) If the time is up, it is determined that the prize ball discharging operation can be normally executed (the prize ball dischargeable condition is satisfied), and the process shifts to step S34. If the time has not elapsed, it is considered that the prize ball dischargeable condition has not been satisfied yet, and the routine goes to Step S24.

On the other hand, if at least one of the odd prize ball sensor 40 and the prize ball discharge sensor 50 does not detect a game ball, or if an overflow ball is detected, After initializing the first timer (S30), the second timer is updated (S31). Subsequently, it is determined whether the second timer has timed out (measures 1 second) (S32). Here, when the second timer times out, it is determined that a state in which the discharge of the prize ball cannot be executed has been established. Then, notification of an abnormal prize ball discharge is started (S
33). In the present embodiment, this notification is performed by causing the prize ball abnormal lamp 26 to emit light, but any notification method can be adopted. If the notification of the abnormality is started, the process shifts to the process of step S23, the first timer and the second timer are initialized, and the above process is repeated.
If the time has not elapsed in the determination process of step S32, the process proceeds to step S24, and
It monitors the detection signal from the ball detector.

If the process has proceeded to step S34 due to the expiration of the first timer, at step S34
Abnormal notification of prize ball discharge is stopped. That is, the emission of the prize ball abnormal lamp 26 is stopped. If the abnormality notification of the prize ball discharge has not been performed, the process proceeds to the next step without performing the process in step S34. If the abnormality notification of the prize ball discharge is stopped, the prize ball monitoring flag is cleared (S
35). That is, by clearing this flag, it is notified that it is not determined whether or not the prize ball discharging operation is executable.

If the prize ball monitoring flag is cleared,
The control unit 59 (standby means) determines whether or not the ball lending monitoring flag is cleared (S36). This ball-monitoring flag is a flag that is set with the execution of the ball-discharging program, and similarly to the flag-for-prize-ball monitoring flag, it is determined whether the ball-discharging operation is executable. It is a flag for notifying whether or not it is running. If the monitoring flag during lending is cleared (if discrimination is not performed), the process proceeds to the next step. If the flag is set, it is determined that discrimination is in progress. , Wait until the flag is cleared.

If the ball-while-monitoring flag is cleared, the award ball discharging flag is set (S37). The prize ball discharging flag is a flag for notifying that a prize ball discharging operation is being performed. If the prize ball discharging flag is set, a prize ball discharge process is performed (S38).
Here, the prize ball discharge solenoid 51 is excited to discharge the game balls in the prize ball discharge section 45 and the prize ball discharge sensor 5.
The detection signal from 0 is monitored, and the prize ball discharge solenoid 51 is demagnetized at the timing when a predetermined number of prize balls are discharged. When a predetermined number of prize balls have been discharged, safe balls are discharged (S39). Here, the safe solenoid 38b is demagnetized after the safe ball is discharged by exciting the safe solenoid 38b for a predetermined time. When the safe ball is discharged, the award ball discharging flag is cleared (S40),
A series of prize ball discharging programs is completed. The prize ball discharge program is executed each time it is called in step S11 of the main program of the discharge control device 37.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the processing performed by the ball lending discharge program will be described. This ball lending discharge program is also started by the main program of the discharge control device 37 (S13), operates independently of the main program, and is executed by the control section 59 of the discharge control circuit 37a. Then, the control unit 59 functions as a let-off ball discharge control unit according to the present invention by executing the let-off ball discharge program.

Since the processing of the ball lending program and the processing of the prize ball discharging program described above are the same processing, they will be briefly described here. In this ball-ejecting program, first, it is determined whether or not the prize-ball discharging flag is set (S51). If the prize-ball discharging flag is not set, the ball-monitoring flag is set. (S52). That is, the control unit 59 functions as a ball-lending possible determination unit, and performs a determination operation on the ball-lending unit 44 (S53) on condition that the prize-ball discharging unit 45 does not discharge a prize ball. To S63).

Next, the third timer and the fourth timer are initialized (S53). Here, the third timer is a timer for determining whether or not the state where the leased ball can be discharged has been continuously established for a predetermined time, and measures, for example, one second. Similarly,
The fourth timer is a timer for determining whether or not the state in which the lending ball cannot be discharged has been continuously established for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second).

After the third and fourth timers have been initialized, the detection signal from the ball detector is monitored. That is, it is determined whether or not the ball rental irregularity sensor 39 outputs an ON-level detection signal (S54), and it is determined whether the ball rental discharge sensor 47 outputs an ON-level detection signal (S55).
It is determined whether the detection signal of the overflow sensor 24 is at the off level (S56). Here, if both the ball rental odd-end sensor 39 and the ball rental discharge sensor 47 detect a game ball and if no overflow ball is detected, the fourth
After the timer is initialized (S57), the third timer is updated, for example, +1 (S58). Subsequently, it is determined whether the third timer has timed out (measures 1 second) (S5).
9) If the time is up, it is determined that the operation of discharging the loaned ball can be normally performed, and the process proceeds to step S64. If the time has not elapsed, it is considered that the conditions for allowing the ball to be ejected have not been satisfied yet, and the process proceeds to step S54.
Move to

On the other hand, if at least one of the ball rental odd sensor 39 and the ball rental discharge sensor 47 does not detect a game ball, or if an overflow ball is detected, the third timer is initialized (S60). ), Then the fourth
The timer is updated (S61). Subsequently, it is determined whether the fourth timer has timed out (measures 1 second) (S6).
2). Here, when the time is up, it is determined that a state where the lending ball cannot be discharged has been established. And
The notification of the abnormality in the rental ball discharge is started (S63). This notification is performed by causing the ball-sending-abnormal lamp 25 to emit light. If the notification of the abnormality is started, the process proceeds to step S53, the third timer and the fourth timer are initialized, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If the time has not elapsed in the determination process of step S62, the process proceeds to step S54.
Then, the detection signal from the ball detection unit is monitored.

If the process has proceeded to step S64 due to the expiration of the third timer, at step S64
When the abnormal notification of the leasing of the ball has been issued, the abnormal notification is stopped. If the abnormality notification of the let-off of the ball-launch is stopped, the flag-monitoring-ball-run-time flag is cleared (S65). After clearing the ball-at-lending-time monitoring flag, the control unit 59 functions as a standby unit, and determines whether the prize-ball-at-time monitoring flag is cleared (S66). If the awarding ball monitoring flag is cleared (if the determination is not made), the process proceeds to the next step. If the flag is set, the flag is cleared until the flag is cleared. stand by.

If the prize ball monitoring flag has been cleared, the lending ball discharge flag is set to notify that the lending ball discharging operation is being performed (S67). When the lending ball discharge flag is set, a lending ball discharging process is performed (S68). That is, the ball rental solenoid 49 is excited and the detection signal from the ball rental sensor 47 is monitored, and the ball release solenoid 49 is demagnetized at the timing when a predetermined number of rental balls are discharged. If a predetermined number of balls for sale have been discharged, the flag for discharging balls for sale is cleared (S69), and a series of programs for discharging balls for sale are terminated. Note that this ball lending discharge program is also executed each time it is called in step S13 in the main program of the discharge control device 37.

Next, an example of an actual ball discharging operation will be described with reference to a timing chart. Here, FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating a case where the ball lending switch 21 is operated during the discharging operation of the prize ball.

When the discharge control device 37 receives the prize ball command signal (t1, S9), the prize ball discharge program starts (S10, S11). In this prize ball discharge program, it is determined whether or not prize ball discharge is possible by monitoring detection signals from the prize ball irregular sensor 40, the prize ball discharge sensor 50, and the overflow sensor 24 (t1 to t2, S2).
3-S33). In this monitoring, the “ball presence state” based on the detection signals from the odd ball sensor 40 and the prize ball ejection sensor 50 and the “ball absence state” based on the detection signal from the overflow sensor 24 are set for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second)
When continuously detected, it is determined that the prize ball dischargeable condition is satisfied (S29, t2), and the prize ball is discharged (S3).
8, t2 to t4).

During the discharge of the prize ball, the discharge control device 3
7 receives the ball lending command signal (t3, S12), the ball lending discharge program is activated (S13). In this ball lending discharge program, a prize ball discharging flag indicating that a prize ball is being discharged is referred to, and while the prize ball discharging flag is set, it is determined whether or not the ball lending can be discharged. Is not performed (t3 to t4). This is the prize ball discharge period (t2 to t4)
In, vibration accompanying the flow of a game ball discharged as a prize ball is transmitted to the ball rental odd-end sensor 39 and the ball rental discharge sensor 47, and the detection level of the detection sensor fluctuates,
Also, the prize ball flowing into the overflow flow path may come into contact with the overflow sensor 24 and the level of the detection signal from the overflow sensor 24 may fluctuate. When the discharge of the prize ball is completed, the determination as to whether or not the discharge of the prize ball is possible is started (t4). This determination is made by monitoring detection signals from the ball lending irregularity sensor 39, the ball lending discharge sensor 47, and the overflow sensor 24 (t4 to t6, S52 to S63). The “ball presence state” based on the detection signals from the ball rental odd-end sensor 39 and the ball rental discharge sensor 47 and the “ball absence state” based on the detection signal from the overflow sensor 24 are set for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). ) When detected continuously (t5 to t
In 6), it is determined that the ball lending dischargeable condition is satisfied (t6, S
59), the rental ball is discharged (t6 to t8, S68).

When the discharge control device 37 receives the prize ball command signal during the discharge of the loaned ball (t7), the prize ball discharge program starts (S10, S11). In this prize ball discharge program, after waiting for the completion of the discharge of the loaned ball (t7 to t8), it is determined whether or not the prize ball discharge is possible (t8, S21). When the prize ball dischargeable condition is satisfied (t9 to t10, S29), the prize ball is discharged (t10 to S38).

As described above, in the present embodiment, one of the prize ball discharge units 45 and the ball lending discharge unit 44 is provided on the condition that the other ball discharge unit does not perform the ball discharge operation. Since it is determined whether or not the game ball can be discharged from the section, the determination can be made without being affected by the ball discharge by the other ball discharging section. For this reason, the result of the determination can be assured, the error of the determination can be reduced as much as possible, and the shortage of the number of game balls to be discharged and the overflow due to the discharged game balls can be prevented beforehand. .

Next, referring to the timing chart of FIG. 13, a state in which the ball discharging operation is made to stand by (function of the waiting means)
Will be described. Here, an operation when a ball lending command signal is received after the prize ball command signal will be described.

When the discharge control device 37 receives the prize ball command signal (t21, S9), it is determined whether or not the prize ball can be discharged (t21 to t23). During the determination of this prize ball discharge,
When the discharge control device 37 receives the ball lending command signal (t2
2) In parallel with the determination of the award ball discharge, it is determined whether or not the lending ball can be discharged (t22 to t24). And
When the determination of the prize ball discharge is completed and it is determined that the prize ball can be discharged (t23, S29), the process proceeds to the prize ball discharge process based on the prize ball discharge program. The monitoring flag is referenced. At this point, since the ball-at-lending-time monitoring flag is set, the system waits while monitoring the clearing of the ball-at-lending-time monitoring flag without discharging the prize balls (t23 to t24, S36).

Then, when the discrimination on the lent ball discharge is completed and it is determined that the lent ball can be discharged (t24), the process shifts to the lent ball discharge process based on the lent ball discharge program. Clear the monitoring flag during lending (S6
5), refer to the prize ball monitoring flag (S66). Then, since the prize ball monitoring flag is cleared, the rental ball discharge process is executed (t24 to S68). On the other hand, when the flag for monitoring during lending is cleared, a process of discharging the prize ball is executed (t24-S38). Therefore, in this example, the prize ball discharge processing and the loan ball discharge processing are executed almost simultaneously.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the execution timing of the prize ball discharge and the execution timing of the lending ball discharge are adjusted by the standby means, so that the prize ball and the lending ball can be discharged simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the overall time required for the ball discharging process while ensuring the determination.

In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 configured to supply the game balls (a kind of stored game balls) stored in the ball storage tank 32 to the ball discharge unit 35 via the chute 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pachinko machine that does not include the ball storage tank 32 but directly introduces game balls (a kind of stored game balls) from the island equipment to the chute 33 and supplies the game balls to the ball discharge unit 35 via the chute 33. The gaming machine 1 may be used.

In the above description, the pachinko gaming machine 1 which is a typical gaming machine has been described as an example. However, a lending ball or a prize ball is discharged using a ball discharging mechanism such as an arrangement ball gaming machine. The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine having such a configuration.

[0083]

According to the present invention as described above, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the discharge possibility determining means determines that the other one of the ball lending mechanism and the prize ball discharging mechanism does not perform the ball discharging operation. Since the discriminating operation for one ball discharging mechanism is performed, the discrimination can be performed without being affected by the ball discharging operation by the other ball discharging mechanism. For this reason, erroneous determination by the discharge possibility determination means can be reduced, and shortage of the number of game balls discharged and occurrence of overflow can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by continuously monitoring the detection signal from the ball detecting section for a predetermined time, the discharge possibility determining means can determine whether or not the ball discharge operation can be normally performed. It is determined whether or not there is. During the discrimination period, the other ball discharging mechanism does not perform the ball discharging operation, so that the erroneous determination by the discharge possibility determining means can be further reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the waiting means waits for the ball discharging operation by the ball discharging mechanism until the discriminating operation by both discharging possibility determining means is completed. Even if a command to request the ejection of game balls to the control means and a command to request ejection to the other ball ejection control means are performed successively, when the discriminating operation by both of the ejection possibility discriminating means ends, the ball ejection mechanism Discharge of the game ball by the player can be started. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the overall time required for the ball discharging process while ensuring the determination.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view for explaining a ball discharge gutter and an irregular sensor unit, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a ball discharging unit and a safe unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an odd sensor unit;
(A) is an explanatory view of a state in which game balls are not stored,
(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which game balls are stored.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a ball discharging unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a ball discharging unit, and is a diagram illustrating a ball lending unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main program executed by a game control device, a discharge control device, and a card unit control device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a prize ball discharging program.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a ball lending discharge program.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating a case where a ball lending switch is operated during a prize ball discharging operation.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart illustrating a case where a ball lending command signal is received after a prize ball command signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko gaming machine 2 Pachinko machine main body 3 Card unit 4 Machine frame 5 Front frame 6 Game board 7 Partition member 8 Gaming area 9 Starting port 10 Big winning opening 11 General winning opening 12 Variable display device 15 Front cover member 16 Upper ball supply tray 17 Opening / closing panel 18 Ash tray 19 Lower ball supply tray 20 Launch operation unit 21 Ball rental switch 22 Return switch 23 Balance indicator 24 Overflow sensor 25 Ball lending abnormal lamp 26 Prize ball abnormal lamp 27 Card reader / writer 28 Card unit control device 31 Back mechanism Board 32 ball storage tank 33 chute 33a ball lending chute part 33b prize ball chute part 34 half-end sensor unit 35 ball discharge unit 36 game control device 37 discharge control device 38 safe unit 39 half-lens lending sensor 40 prize ball discharge sensor 41 movable Member 44 Ball rental unit 5 prize ball discharge section 46 ball lending flow path 47 ball lending discharge sensor 48 ball locking piece 49 ball leasing discharge solenoid 50 prize ball discharge sensor 51 prize ball discharge solenoid 54 distribution circuit 55 metal frame sensor 56 display control circuit 59 discharge control circuit Control section 60 Emission control circuit interface 61 Launch control circuit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A game comprising: a ball discharge mechanism capable of discharging a game ball introduced via a chute to a ball supply plate as a game ball used for a game; and a ball discharge control device capable of controlling the ball discharge mechanism. In the machine, the ball discharging mechanism separately comprises a ball-lending mechanism for discharging lending balls and a prize-ball discharging mechanism for discharging prize balls, and the chute supplies game balls to the ball discharging mechanism. The ball lending chute and the prize ball chute for supplying the game balls to the prize ball discharge mechanism are configured separately, and the ball discharge mechanism or the ball discharge operation of the prize ball discharge mechanism can be normally executed. A discharge possibility determining means for determining whether or not each ball discharging mechanism is provided for each ball discharging mechanism, provided that the other ball discharging mechanism does not perform the ball discharging operation, Performing a discrimination operation of Machine. 2. A ball detection unit for detecting whether or not a game ball relating to a ball discharging operation of the ball discharging mechanism is present at a predetermined portion and generating a detection signal, 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the ball discharge operation can be normally performed is determined by continuously monitoring a detection signal from the ball detection unit for a predetermined time. 3. The ball discharge control device controls a ball release mechanism based on a command to request a ball to be released, and controls the prize ball discharge mechanism based on a request to discharge a prize ball. Prize ball discharge control means, and the discharge possibility determination means is provided in the rental ball discharge control means,
A lent-ball discharge possible determining means for determining whether or not the lending-ball discharging operation of the lending-ball discharging mechanism can be normally executed, and a prize-ball discharging operation of the prize-ball discharging mechanism provided in the prize-ball discharging control means. Prize ball discharge determination means for determining whether or not it is in a state in which the ball discharge control can be executed normally, and to the other ball discharge control means during the determination period of the discharge possibility determination means provided in one ball discharge control means. 3. The game according to claim 2, further comprising: a waiting means for waiting for a ball discharging operation by the ball discharging mechanism until the discriminating operation by both of the discharging possibility determining means is completed when the discharging request command is issued. Machine.